Anisha Riggs
Burning incense is a traditional practice in many religions, including Christianity, where it is used to create a sacred atmosphere and enhance spiritual experiences. The smoke from the incense is believed to symbolize the rising of prayers to God, as mentioned in the Bible verse Revelation 8:4. In this verse, it is written that The smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel's hand. This act is often performed during prayer, with the incense being lit before beginning.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Transforming a space from secular to sacred |
| Symbolism | Smoke rising to God, reminding us of his presence |
| Incense Type | Powder, grain, stick |
| Fuel | Charcoal, olive oil |
| Accessories | Tongs, tea light candles, candle bowl, incense burner |
| Safety | Keep away from children, ensure good ventilation, have a fire extinguisher nearby |
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What You'll Learn
Charcoal and incense
Charcoal discs are moulded pieces of charcoal specially made for holding incense or resin. To burn incense using charcoal, light a charcoal disc with a match or lighter. Use a pair of tongs to hold the disc over a heat-safe surface, such as a stovetop, and hold a lit match or lighter up to the disc to ignite it.
Once the charcoal disc is lit, place it in a metal incense bowl (also known as a "censer"), or any heat-proof metal container. You can also use a cast-iron pan, a cooking sheet, or any other metal bakeware, but be aware that it will not be food-safe afterward. To help dissipate the heat, you can place the charcoal on top of a small mound of sand inside the bowl. It is recommended to also put sand on top of the charcoal to lower the temperature.
Let the charcoal heat up for about 5 to 7 minutes. You will know it is ready when it begins to smoke. Then, place a small piece of incense resin on top of the charcoal. The resin will create a lot of smoke and scent, so you only need to use a tiny piece, about the size of a grain of rice. You can always burn more when it stops smoking.
After the incense has finished burning, let the charcoal cool down. You can retrieve any remaining incense, let it air-dry, and use it later. Be sure to always burn incense in a well-ventilated room, and avoid burning it for more than an hour at a time to prevent health complications.
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Fire safety
Burning incense is a spiritual practice with a long history, and it is often used in churches and homes. However, it is important to be mindful of fire safety when burning incense to prevent accidents and damage. Here are some fire safety tips to keep in mind when burning church incense:
Firstly, always ensure that you have a safe place to burn incense. Use a heat-resistant incense burner specifically designed for this purpose, and never leave burning incense unattended. The burner should be placed on a stable, fire-resistant surface, away from flammable materials such as curtains or tapestries. Keep the burner out of reach of children and pets, as the outside of the burner can get very hot and pose a safety risk.
Before lighting the incense, ensure that you have working smoke detectors and fire alarms in your space. While modern detectors are less sensitive and may not be triggered by light smoke from incense, it is important to test your alarms regularly and be aware of their settings. Additionally, be mindful of any specific fire safety guidelines or restrictions in your building, especially if it is a shared or rented space. Always ask the property owner's permission and follow their instructions.
When lighting the incense, use proper tools and techniques. Hold a charcoal tablet with tongs and light it with a match, ensuring the flame spreads across the charcoal. Place the lit charcoal in the incense burner and add the incense. If using essential oils or liquid incense, follow the product instructions and never leave open flames unattended. Always light incense in a well-ventilated area, and consider opening a window to prevent smoke buildup, especially if you have smoke detectors.
Finally, be mindful of any health considerations. People with asthma or respiratory problems should avoid burning incense, and it should be kept away from pets. If you are burning incense in a shared space, be considerate of others' health and comfort, as some individuals may be sensitive to strong fragrances or smoke.
By following these fire safety guidelines, you can safely enjoy the spiritual and symbolic experience of burning church incense.
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Lighting the charcoal
Once you have gathered your supplies, hold a charcoal tablet with your tongs and light it with a match. Move the flame around the outside of the charcoal until little red glowing sparks appear. Then, place the lit charcoal tablet in your incense burner. If you are using a large grain incense, you can add it to the burner now without smothering the fire. However, if you are using a powder, it is best to wait until the charcoal is fully lit to avoid smothering the flame.
If you are having trouble keeping the charcoal lit, oxygen may be the biggest problem. Try leaving the cover of your censer open and blowing gently at the charcoal. You may also need to add another charcoal tablet to the fire pot, especially during long periods of use.
Once the charcoal is lit and the incense is added, the incense will begin to smoke and fill the room with its sacred fragrance.
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Incense burners
There are two main types of incense: direct-burning and indirect-burning. Direct-burning incense involves placing pieces of incense directly on top of a heat source or on a hot metal plate within the censer. Indirect-burning incense, also known as non-combustible incense, requires a separate heat source as it does not easily ignite on its own. To use an incense burner, hold a charcoal tablet with tongs, light it with a match, and then place it in the burner. Add incense on top of the charcoal, and if your burner has one, cover it with a brass grill. The incense will start to smoke, filling the room with its fragrance.
When burning incense, it is important to ensure proper ventilation to avoid setting off smoke detectors. Incense burners can be purchased from various online and physical stores, with options such as Amazon, Holy Cross Monastery, and Ancient Faith Store offering a range of burners and incense types.
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![Premium Nickel-Plated Brass Incense Holder [Glossy Silver-Colored, 3.93 Inch] – Censer for Charcoal, Aromatherapy, and Smoking Resins](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/515+7NeSHtL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
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Prayer and symbolism
The use of incense in Christian liturgy has its roots in the traditions of Judaism during the time of the Second Jewish Temple. Incense has been used in Christian worship since the earliest days, and its use is inspired by passages in the Bible.
In the Old Testament, God instructed Moses to build an altar of incense to stand beside the altar of sacrifice. God also gave Moses a recipe for making incense: "Take these aromatic substances: storax, onycha and galbanum, these and pure frankincense in equal parts; and blend them into incense". In the Book of Exodus, God commands Moses to build a tabernacle, or travelling temple, with an altar of incense. The priest is commanded to offer incense each morning and evening when he tends to the lamps. This creates a constant pillar of smoke, a sign of God's presence.
Incense is used in Christian worship to symbolise the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. This symbolism is seen in Psalm 141 (140), verse 2: "Let my prayer be directed as incense in thy sight: the lifting up of my hands, as the evening sacrifice". The smoke of incense, together with the prayers of the faithful, rises towards God. The use of incense in the Christian liturgy is also mentioned in the Book of Revelation, where incense symbolises the prayers of the saints in heaven.
Incense is used in various Christian denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Catholic Church, Orthodox Christian churches, Lutheran Churches, Old Catholic/Liberal Catholic Churches and some Anglican Churches. Incense is burned during solemn processions, graveside services, the blessing of new churches, and the consecration of altars and other items. It is also used during the celebration of the Eucharist, at funerals, and during Morning and Evening Prayers of the Divine Office.
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Frequently asked questions
You need charcoal, incense, and a safe place to burn it.
Hold a charcoal tablet with tongs and light it with a match. Move the flame around the outside of the charcoal until little red sparks form. Place the charcoal in an incense burner and lay a piece of incense on top. Cover with a brass grill and the incense will start to smoke.
Keep a fire extinguisher close by when lighting the charcoal. Open a window to ensure the smoke doesn't set off a smoke detector. Make sure the incense burner is out of the reach of children as the outside of the burner will get very hot.
Incense in large grain form is preferable to powder form as it does not smother the fire.
